Yakan in Philippines
YAH-kahn

Yakan people are probably the original inhabitants of Basilan, an island just off the southwestern point of Mindanao. They make up less than half of Basilan's population.

Ministry Obstacles
Yakan people are primarily farmers using plows drawn by water buffaloes to cultivate the soil. Sadly, few people grow enough rice to last from season to season. As Muslims, the Yakan are allowed to have as many as four wives. Divorce is common, initiated by either the man or the woman. Yakan people have incorporated many of their traditional animistic beliefs (belief that non-living objects have spirits) into their Islamic rituals. They believe in evil spirits that sometimes attack people, so they live in fear.

Outreach Ideas
The nuclear family, which consists of the husband, his wife, and their unmarried children, is the most common domestic unit. Perhaps they would respond to Christian families of disciples who could earn their trust and reach out to them with the truth of the gospel. The New Testament has been translated into Yakan, their spoken language. The JESUS Film, and audio resources are also available.

Scripture Focus
"You shall serve the LORD your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you. None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days."  Exodus 23:25-26

Scripture Prayer
Pray that many from this people group will serve the Lord and receive His abundant blessings.

Prayer Focus
Ask the Lord to bring forth vigorous Yakan churches that will plant others for the glory of his name! Ask almighty God to raise up a church planting movement this decade.

Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net